A Belmont car crash on the morning of July 3 ended with a late-model Lexus SUV on its roof at the corner of Fairview and Grove streets and its female occupant freed using the Jaws of Life.

At approximately 8 a.m. on Wednesday morning, neighbors reported hearing the sound of metal hitting metal. Brian Houllahan of 58 Grove St. looked out the window of his home to see his new Cadillac SUV sideways in his driveway. When he stepped outside, he saw the Lexus on its roof with the driver trapped inside.

Several 911 calls came in to Belmont Police as the department was finishing roll call. Officer Todd Benedetti was dispatched to Grove Street and was one of the first officers on the scene, followed quickly by Belmont Fire and Rescue.

Capt. Mooney of Belmont Fire ordered the Jaws of Life to be used to free the driver. Using the Jaws of Life and metal cutters, it took Belmont Fire approximately 10 minutes to get the passenger-side door opened and the driver safely out.

According to Firefighter Tom Biondo, it took four to five Belmont firefighters and EMTs to remove the driver, who was communicating and talking to the safety professionals during her ordeal.

Biondo said that seat belts and air bags likely saved the unidentified driver’s life. She was taken to Beth Israel Hospital.